COLOUR OF SKIN

'Hate the sins,
love the
Sinner'
-Mahatma Gandhi-

Mahatma Gandhi was in London,
an Englishman asked Gandhi,
"Why do you Indians have different coloured skins?
look at us, we all have the same colour'.

Gandhi replied,
"Horses have different colours but all donkeys have
the same colour !!!"

SOCIALIST PARTY OF MALAYSIA !

Seven-Point Manifesto

1. Workers’ rights will be safeguarded (e.g. minimum wage, automatic recognition of workers unions and 90 day maternal leave)
2. The eradication of neo-liberal policies (e.g. halting privatisation of health care, education and other public necessities)
3. Stopping the Free Trade Agreement with western imperial powers
4. Provide comfortable and humane housing for both rural and urban inhabitants
5. Stopping racial and religious politics to foster greater unity among the people
6. Eradication of corruption and abuse of power
7. Stopping the destruction of the environment

Take time to read this !

Parti Socialis Malaysia

Socialist Party of Malaysia

Introduction

Since 1991, several grassroots based organisations working with the urban and rural poor in Malaysia started to form an alliance. In 1994, they staged a massive demonstration at the heart of Kuala Lumpur surprising many people. Some news reports called it, “Malaysian workers have woken up”. The last major demonstration called by the working class in the capital city goes way back two decades ago.

In 1995, these grassroots organisation who already had their strong bases among the plantation workers, urban poor slums and industrial workers formed an alliance and together the idea to form a political party to represent the aspirations of the poor and the marginalised was mooted. The election results in 1995 hastened this process and after years of discussion and consolidations, it was finally agreed that a party with socialist ideology was imminent to liberate the masses from their current conditions.

With this in mind, the groups took more than two and the half years to draft the party’s constitution, which was ready by the end of 1997. After further consultation with the masses, on April 30th 1998, on the eve of May Day, the new party known as the Socialist party Of Malaysia was officially put for registration.

Why Socialist?

The last socialist party to exist in Malaysia, Malaysian Peoples Socialist Party (PSRM) stripped the word “socialist” from their name and constitution in 1990. The party in recent years had taken a full turn by merging with the Nationalist party, “National Justice party”.

The decision of PSRM to abandon socialism from its constitution perhaps left Malaysia for the first time without a left based political party.

The word “socialist” itself has been a taboo word similar to the word “communist” in Malaysia. When PSM launched the party in 1998 and declared the party a socialist party, many thought that we are heading for political suicide. It was a tough decision but the party strongly felt that it is time to put socialism in the right track and it is time to question all distortions and expose the evil of capitalism. PSM not only filled the vacuum in the country’s left politics, it further introduced a different brand of politics.

PSM’s Strength

PSM has only been around since 1998 but its working experience with the masses goes back more than twenty years. Over the years, the party’s three main front organisations, Alaigal, Community Development Centre (CDC) and Suara Warga Pertiwi (SWP), established more than a hundred sub-fronts. PSM’s strength lies in its work done with the masses especially plantation workers, the urban poor, industrial workers and peasants. The party also collaborates with progressive student movements.

PSM remains today the only party in Malaysia highlighting the plight of the poor from low wages and forceful eviction to retrenchment. The party has also made inroads in organising unions in the last few years. While civil and political protest are carried out by the mainstream political parties, PSM continues to support and organise pickets, strike and demonstration among the working class.

PSM’s Legal Status

The Malaysian State has refused to recognise PSM. The ruling party has rejected the party’s application to register as a political party citing that PSM is a threat to National Security. While PSM’s activities have been transparent and open confrontation, the ruling party seems uneasy to see a socialist party in its backyard.

The right to form a political party is a constitutional right and PSM became the first party in Malaysia’s history to take the ruling party and the Home Minister to court for abusing their power. In early 2003, The KL High Court rejected PSM’s application and said that the court cannot question the Minister’s view with regards to National Security. The party has now appealed to the Appeals Court.

The state’s harsh treatment to PSM is a problem but the Party continues to function and carry out its program.

Democratic Space

PSM has also in its congress decided that the party will have minimum program with other parties in the struggle to topple the corrupted ruling National Front Party. Nevertheless the party has been very cautious and has decided not to become part of the Alternative front, which is dominated by the Islamic and nationalist party. PSM is committed to a secular state and equality for all. Because of its uncompromising stand on this, PSM remains isolated in its National agenda.

Elections

In 1999, the party contested for the first time in the general election. The main intention was to popularise the party. The party lost in its seat but managed to reduce the opponent’s majority by 10,000 votes. In 2004, the party contested in four seats and managed to secure around 35 to 40% of votes. The party will continue to use elections to popularize the party as well as use it to educate the people and expose issues which concerns the masses.

The Step Forward

The party is convinced and committed to the class struggle and will continue to propagate class politics, going against the normal nouns of communal and religious politics practiced in Malaysia. The party will work towards empowering the masses and liberating them from the crunches of capitalism. In order for that, the party will have to work very hard among the industrial workers and PSM is destined to do that.

While PSM is committed to the analysis of Marxism, the party will have an open policy as far as left tendencies are concerned. PSM will continue to open its doors for criticism and differing views among the left. At the end of the day, we want our people to be treated with human dignity and enjoy the fruit of their labor.

Long Live Socialism!
Workers of the World Unite!

S. Arutchelvan
Secretary General

DEAR FRIENDS, THE DOOR IS NOT CLOSED !

Dear STPM leavers,

The time has come for you to make the most important decision in your life. Most of you would have applied to the Institusi Pengajian Tinggi Awam (IPTA) and some of you would have already received an offer to do your desired tertiary programme. Congratulations on your success and hope that you will carry on your fight and continue achieving good grades in your studies and graduate with distinction.

For those who have not received an offer for your desired programme, please do not give up. You have an equal opportunity out there just like your friend who has just made it to the IPTA. If you take a look at the other side of the Malaysian education, you will find the Intistusi Pengajian Tinggi Swasta (Private - Colleges, University Colleges and Universities) (IPTS) which provides good quality degree programmes as well. The general perception of most Malaysian students seeking Tertiary Education is that the IPTS programmes are much inferior compared with IPTA programmes. I would like say that this is not true. There are many multinational companies that are looking forward to hire graduates from IPTS. In terms of the quality of the education, IPTS are strictly monitored and regulated by the Malaysian Qualifications Agency (MQA) formerly known as Lembaga Akreditasi Negara (LAN). This agency is under the Kementerian Pendidikan Tinggi Malaysia which clearly shows that the Government has taken measures to ensure that the standard and quality of the programmes offered by the IPTS is on par with the IPTA programmes. Looking at this, one should not doubt the quality of programmes offered by IPTS.

There are a wide range of recognised degree programmes such as Engineering, Law, Commerce, Medical Sciences and many other career based programmes offered by the IPTS which an STPM leaver could enrol and become a successful professional. In addition, most IPTS students are able to obtain a loan from Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Tinggi (PTPTN) which covers full tuition fees as well as accommodation costs for selected institutions.*. So don’t give up if you have been denied a place at the IPTA as there is always an IPTS to help you. Please seek advice from a qualified person or graduates from an IPTS before you a make decision concerning your career path.

Deva Guru

Taiping, Malaysia

23^rd June 2008

*Depends on the IPTS fees

ANOTHER GANDHI IN WAITING !

Referring to the article on Rahul Gandhi (Charisma is Not Enough,NEWSWEEK Dec 25,2006/Jan 01 2007), I believe he is where he is now in the Indian National Congress because of his family . Obviously his family played a vital role in securing him a strong & high position(General Secretary - All India Congress Committee, Youth Congress and National Student Union of India) in the Indian National Congress. His mother, Sonia Gandhi strongly believes that he should lead the Indian National Congress in future. If he has the quality for it, by all mean he should do that, but if the Indian National Congress wants him to lead the party and country just because he belongs to the legendary Gandhi family, then it looks like the Indian National Congress is making the same mistake they did after the assassination of Prime Minister Indra Gandhi in 1984.

Deva Guru,
Taiping, Malaysia

DEATH OF A TYRANT !

The Article (Death of A Tyrant,NEWSWEEK Jan 8 2007) was an eye opener for alot of people including me. For once the world knows what Saddam Hussein whom better know as The Butcher of Baghdad has done to the Iraqi people. Surprisingly the same Saddam Hussein has been visited by Donald Rumsfeld and many other important people from the United States in the 80s. Was Saddam Hussein a good boy then or the United States official was unaware of all the atrocities that Saddam Hussein was doing to the Iraqi people, or maybe the United States chose to turn a blind eye. The article clearly shows that, The United States has used Saddam Hussein as a weapon against then and current enemy Iran, during the Iran-Iraq war.

Now Saddam Hussein who was an ally became an enemy of the United States and it led to his execution by the Iraqi people. Why was the United States of America was mute during the 80's and punish him now ? Why wait for almost 20 years ? Tyrants like Saddam Husein and others are not born, but created by the Super Powers themselves.

Deva Guru

Taiping, Malaysia

IN REALITY,DIVIDE AND RULE THEORY DOES NOT SOLVE PROBLEM !

I would like to comment on the letter written by Joe Coerur (08/01/2007, Letters, Newsweek)that was referring to the article written by Fareed Zakaria (The Road Out of Iraq, 6 Nov 2006). With due respect, Joe Coerur has failed to consider the historical and political background which led to the partition of India and its border. The situation that India was in sixty years ago is totally different than Iraq is in now. India's new neighbour at that time, Pakistan fought three wars with India and the conflict between these two countries has continued till today. The British colonised India three hundred years ago and Indian all over India both Hindus and Muslims united themselves together to fight for one cause that led to the Independence of India. The partition of India after Independence, shattered the unity between these two community. In conclusion the the partition and creation of new State did more harm than good for both India and Pakistan.

Joe Coerur has suggested that Iraq should be divided into three different countries which I think would bring more bloodbath and conflicts to the region. Lets assume that Iraq to be divided in to three separate states. One for Sunnis, one for Shiites and one for Kurds. Do you think these three new states would live with each other peacefully ? At the moment Kurds have major conflits with the Turks, Shiite and Sunnis with each other. On top of that the newly independent Shiite state would be an ally of Iran. This opportunity would be used by the Iranians to strengthen their position in the region and promote war on Israel and the United Sates of America. Iraq should be as one united country, and the United Nations should play major role in bringing stability to Iraq. In conclusion Divide and Rule theory causes more harm than good.

Deva Guru

Taiping, Malaysia

SABAHANS TO DECIDE !

PKR claims 10 Sarawak MPs brought overseas to prevent defection

KOTA KINABALU, June 22 — In the wake of the political drama in Sabah following Sabah Progressive Party's (SAPP) announcement that they will go ahead with the vote of no confidence against the prime minister, Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) has stepped up its sabre-rattling.

It has made a claim that 10 Sarawak members of parliament (MPs) were taken overseas in an effort to prevent them from leaving Barisan Nasional (BN) to join PKR.

PKR deputy president Dr Syed Husin Ali claimed that they had been taken to Beijing.

Not all the 10 would join PKR, he told reporters after officiating the PKR's Kaamatan celebration in Kota Kinabalu yesterday.

PKR vice-president Datuk Dr Jeffrey Kitingan when asked whether other Sabah MPs are also considering to join them, said: "Yes, definitely, there are some from Sabah."

Syed Husin said so far SAPP had not made any application to join PKR but if the party did, it would be accepted.

In Miri, Parti Pesaka Bumiputera Bersatu (PBB) deputy president Datuk Seri Abang Johari Tun Openg yesterday likened SAPP president Datuk Yong Teck Lee to a political cowboy who smeared the image of other politicians in the country. — Bernama

ANOTHER INDIAN LEADER WHO BLASTED THE FORMER PM,KIND OF LATE !

Palanivel blasts Dr M for Hindraf comment KUALA LUMPUR, June 20 — MIC deputy president Datuk G. Palanivel said it was sad that former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad is not aware that Hindraf, the informal activist movement, does not only represent Tamils but also many non-Tamils and even non-Hindus.

"He is wrong when he says Hindraf leaders only represent Tamils,” he said in a statement.

Palanivel said Dr Mahathir should not make statements that would further fan racial sentiments and hatred.

"He should remember his own roots. People also recall that PAS, PKR and DAP were with Hindraf during the recent election.

"His most recent statement on Hindraf as Tamil racists will only further drive away Indian votes from the BN to Pakatan Rakyat."

Palanivel was commenting on Dr Mahathir’s statement against MIC president Datuk Seri S. Samy Vellu in his blog.

Palanivel described Dr Mahathir as having lost sight of the big picture in his efforts to wage a war against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Samy Vellu.

"Each time Tun Mahathir makes a racially-motivated statement, he should be honest in his opinions and statements. People have become more politically aware and Tun Mahathir should know how people read him.

"He should not make unsubstantiated statements that are reckless and careless in nature.

"Past leaders who have lost their positions are busy apportioning blame on why BN lost. And in doing so, it has caused confusion to both supporters and non-supporters. Using rhetoric to subtly cover their self-interest is not going to work because people have now become more politically conscious.

"At this juncture we should concentrate on bringing the Indian votes back to BN,” said Palanivel, the former deputy minister of Women, Family and Community Development. — Bernama

WHY WAIT 4 YEARS TO REVEAL THE TRUTH ABOUT DATO SERI SAMY VELLU !

Dear fellow Malaysians, below is the text that was extracted from our former PM's blog. You can find alot of useful information that is useless now !

Looks like those who want to answer my charges are short of ideas.

All they can say is that I am a racist and I was worse than the present Prime Minister.

Now Dato Seri S. Samy Vellu has joined Karpal Singh and Param Cumaraswamy in calling me racist.

These three characters want the Government to free the Hindraf leaders from detention under the Internal Security Act.

They must know that Hindraf represents Tamil racists who still look to their old masters, the British, to protect them. They don’t believe in Malaysian institutions.

And they speak not just of Indians but of Tamils as a separate race. They and their apologists are racist to the core.

Seeing the death and destruction inflicted on Sri Lanka by the Tamil Tigers, they threaten to bring this kind of violent racial politics to Malaysia.

In sympathising with Hindraf, Samy exposes his deep racist sentiments.

He insisted that he was the only leader of the Indians.

He refused to allow other Indian political parties to join the Barisan Nasional. His arrogance was unbearable. The defeat of the Malaysian Indian Congress (MIC) is entirely because of him.

I will follow this with extracts of what Samy Vellu said when I was Prime Minister. You can then judge what kind of Indian the Indians have as their leader.

Deva Guru said...

I do agree with Tun, in commenting about Dato Seri Sammy Vellu. But, Tun in that time you were in power and you know that Samy vellu is betraying the Indian Community and you being the Prime Minister should have made him resign and bring in somebody that would have lead the party and the community into development. Why all these issues are coming out after you step down.

June 19, 2008 11:45 AM

Life...................................

~ In Our Hearts You're The Best ~

Set your thoughts to rest,
close your eyes and see.
The wonderful calm setting sun,
after each day has gone.

Put your mind at ease,
you are home in peace.
With that joyous company,
of smiles that please.

In our hearts you're the best.
Don't let others put you to the test.

For tomorrow is at hand,
may it welcome you to this land.
Be successful and delightful
till the end take your stand.